BA/BS in Communication and Media Studies

The Communication major in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences examines how people interact and influence one another. Because communication takes place within relationships, communities, organizations, and cultures, the field draws on social science traditions such as psychology, sociology, and information science. Students learn that communication can be spoken, visual, or written, and that the technologies people use also shape how they communicate. The department emphasizes grounded, empirical research and a range of methods. Coursework asks students to test ideas against evidence and to consider how theory applies to real social settings. The approach suits students interested in careful analysis of human interaction. Students who enjoy both writing and social inquiry will find the coursework a natural fit. Electives let them focus on topics that match their interests within the department.